to take a job or not?

I have had the worst luck in finding a job. No, I believe it has just been a God-thing. When we knew we were moving I started looking and applying for jobs soon thereafter. And honestly, it has been a tough job market to compete in. But, also, it has even me the best opportunity ever - I have been able to stay at home with my babies since our move.

Yes, I have stressed over not having a job (because it is what I have always done). And I have enjoyed not having a job. I cannot imagine, right now, someone else taking my children to school or picking them up. I love being available to make those appointments (doctor, hair, etc) and not have to take off work and work around career obligations. I enjoy bringing them home and having them a snack, completing Ella Grace's home work early and not having to be so rushed.

I have only had three interviews so far, one phone interview and two in-person. My last interview I prayed it would be obvious - obvious it was a NO and obvious if it was supposed to be YES. After they said working weekends and a couple of evenings I was sure it was a NO. The interview was on a Tuesday (about 2 weeks ago) and they were planning to make a decision by the end of the week. I walked out of that interview laughing to myself. I recall even saying "ha! That was obvious!". I was offered the position last Monday or Tuesday. (jokes on me, right?) That was probably the first time I interviewed for a position/job change and declined the offer. And you know what? I was so at ease about it. Yes, I called my husband and talked it over with him first. But, wow, what a great feeling!

Then, today I received another call for another interview. I have the same prayer. If it is God's will everything would work out simply, to get the position or not, and it would be obvious once again. That I would have flexible hours, the ability to take care of drop-off and pick-up or doors will open where my family has needs.

But, I am loving being with my family. I love having supper ready when Jeremy gets home for work, trying to maintain some grasp on laundry and ironing and cleaning and grocery shopping! ha! Who knew I would EVER have this opportunity!?

Thank you, God, for those blessings in disguise!

June 21, 2010

What a day! Not only is this my sister's birthday, but now it also holds another special memory for us! Jeremy has always wanted to work in federal law enforcement. However, his poor eyesight kept him from applying and being able to do what he has always wanted to do. So, during fall 2008 we began talking about it and I encouraged him to have Lasik . After investigating it (no punn intended), I went with Jeremy while he had the surgery on Thursday, December 18. We (okay, maybe just I) was a little nervous about this because my older sister was getting married two days later. The surgery went wonderfully, though. Jeremy was able to submit an application with a couple of federal agencies in January. Needless to say, we waited. And waited. And waited. It seemed like everytime one of the processes started moving along we would hit a brick wall and do the whole waiting thing all over again. Throughout the process we prayed so hard. We prayed that our will would change however it needed to to meet God's. We prayed that we would make the right decisions. We prayed that it would happen in God's timing, not ours, if anything did happen. We prayed for patience. We just prayed, and we prayed hard! It SO did not happen in our timing! But, you know what? We could not have picked a better time. During all of the waiting I was able to basically get my master's degree (I started the summer of 2008, just before we decided to commit to this). I remember June 21. It had been a pretty good day at work. I had my regular bi-weekly meeting with my supervisor and his other direct reports. I came out and started working again, right at the end of the day. I checked my cell phone to find Jeremy had attempted to call me several times. I called him back, but he did not answer. I had a short voicemail and email - call me ASAP. I just KNEW what was going on. I continued with my work and told one of my staff members that Jeremy was likely coming up. And he did! Goodness, I don't know if I have ever seen that boy so excited (of course, other than when our babies were born!). But professionally, never. So, with a few choices of location, we were able to make a decision and it has been confirmed to us 100 times over! Our big news...we are moving to Florida in just a few short months (or sooner)! During this process I have learned, no matter what, God will continue to teach me whatever I think I have already learned. My lesson this time was patience. When Jeremy would get a call or an email, the process would move along. I just knew I had learned the lesson He laid before me and then wham!, that brick wall I mentioned would come from no where. Patience was drilled to me over and over and over. I have learned the importance of praying without ceasing. I have learned how bittersweet it is to tell your family and friends you are moving. I have learned that when I think I am strong, I am so very weak. I have learned where my strength does come from. As we begin this new journey or chapter or book, please keep my family in your prayers. We are extremely excited and ready for this to begin!